Nothing will ever be as rigged as that was. Lemieux gets paid, doesn’t have to sell out and let the team move. New arena is agreed upon in about 15 minutes. NHL’s problems all magically go away with one “lucky” ping pong ball.

I think this works out fine for the Panthers. Now they can just take the forward they really need without having to pass on a guy like Jones who has such high expectations.

19to77 - Apr 29, 2013 at 9:21 PM

Avs have no need for more centres and scoring is far from a priority issue for them compared to the importance of upgrading their back-end stability. This pretty much defaults Jones to first overall.

nodindenver - Apr 29, 2013 at 9:23 PM

The way it should be; the team that has not won diddly since having stud defensemen, is going to get one. Even better is that he will be coming home! Best thing that has happened to the Avs franchise in quite some time.

Poor Avs. Until they get rid of pepe le peau, Billington and Sherman they go no where. Front office a laughing stock of NHL’ers. E Stan needs to be the man, he doesn’t care about Avs unless they make him more millions. Which they will never do with frenchy pepe and his clowns in charge. Strap on a pair for once E. Stan!!!

lordfletcher - Apr 29, 2013 at 11:59 PM

Huge break for Colorado but I feel bad for Jones.

It’t not easy to play for your hometown, plenty of Minnesotans say they never want to play for the Wild, especially in their rookie years.

Some can handle it, some can’t. Will be interesting but I would think Jones would prefer to play elsewhere if he was given the choice

The comparison is no where near being close. Being a hockey prospect growing up in a hockey first town like Minnisota would carry tons of pressure. But jones is not a “homegrown” kid. He wasn’t born here, just fell in love with hockey here. He played a couple seasons of youth hockey here but all his milestone hockey achievements took place elsewhere.

Most Coloradans are oblivious to his Denver connection and they’d only pressure him to be great here if he was the starting QB for the Broncos.

I’m excited that we have a shot at Jones, but I’m actually hoping Sherman is shopping the pick. A trade for #1 Overall could help with a number of other needs – such as a proven defenseman and a top 6 winger – and set us up well for the next decade. Even, say, half the return of the Lindros trade would be outstanding for this franchise (former 1st round roster player, roster player, top prospect, 1st round pick).

It’s unlikely to happen and I’m excited to see Seth Jones at training camp next year, but I hope it’s something that’s highly considered.

Plumber 65 - Apr 30, 2013 at 9:35 PM

That’s the type of thinking that gets Sherman in trouble over and over . Avs have got to take jones and let him develop here. Yes a prospect is a prospect but the kids worth a shot.